How Long Does Hot Water Heater Last? 3 Shocking Signs To Replace It!

The question is: how long does hot water heater last? We want to make sure that we will get a replacement when our current water heater has worn out. Well, who would like to take cold showers, especially during winter?

Many homeowners are prioritizing the condition of their water heaters. If you are one of those, you need to know how long would you expect your unit to give out.

how long does hot water heater last

Likewise, you need to be aware of the signs that your water heater has worn out. But it will mainly depend on the water heater type you have and the maintenance you perform. See what I mean as we get into the specifics below. Let’s have a deep look at it!

 

Average Lifespan of Water Heaters

In knowing the lifespan of your water heater, some aspects would play a crucial role. Some signs that your water heater fails to include clanking noise, as well as producing cold and tinted water. Those will be discussed later in this post.

On average, the lifespan of water heaters would range from 10 up to 12 years. Service and proper maintenance may or may not be included. However, several factors play crucial roles in how long does hot water heater last. Some of these factors include whether or not your unit has a tank, the frequency of usage, water quality, and location since it determines the amount of time needed to heat water. 

The water type in your area also determines the lifespan. The average lifespan of a tank water heater ranges between 8 and 12 years. On the other hand, a tankless water heater would have a longer lifespan of about 20 years at most. Gas and electric water heaters would also have a varying lifespan. Generally, gas heaters would range between 8 and 12 years, while electric ones could last from 10 to 15 years or even more.

 

3 Signs To Replace Your Hot Water Heater

Some signs have to be looked out for to know that your water heater already needs a replacement. First and foremost, you should consider getting a new unit when your current one is more than ten years of age and the issues below start to emerge.

 

#1. Less hot water

One sign of your water heater’s decline is the insufficiency of the hot water you can get from your shower or faucet. If you are already running the shower for a couple of minutes, you get cold water. It can be an indication of mineral or sediment deposits.

 

#2. Poor maintenance

One common issue among tanks with no proper maintenance is the regular wearing and tearing. If the water heater makes knocking noises or leaks, it indicates that the unit needs to be replaced. The same is true with the water coming from the faucet being rusty. It can be costly to get your water heater repaired. Most often than not, several parts have to be replaced. So if your unit undergoes more than repair every year, better replace it. This time ensure to give your unit proper maintenance so that it will last.

 

#3. Sediment buildup

Sediment may have accumulated on its bottom part if your tank is too old. As a result, you will not get hot water consistently since the buildup has affected the heating element. The sediment can be cleaned out or flushed by some repair personnel to solve the issue. But consider replacing your appliance if it is too old. Know how to get sediment out of water heater

 

How Often Is Replacement Needed?

Considering hard water, usage, location, and lifespan, you will be able to estimate how long your appliance can last. But according to the experts, it is better to get a replacement two years before the expected lifespan of your hot water heaterYou will be saved from so much trouble when you choose to replace the unit before it wears out completely. Unexpected expenses will be avoided, and you will be able to budget for buying a new unit when you know that its end is about to come. 

Furthermore, you will not have to wait with no water until your hot water heater completes the repairs. Much more, you will be able to choose wisely by making an advance search to figure out if the water heater will last longer while providing for your hot water needs. New models are designed to be more efficient. You will surely benefit from utility bill savings, given that they are more efficient. Plus, your old model may not be meeting the requirements anymore. Here’s when to replace water heater.

 

It’s A Wrap!

It is essential to know how long does hot water heater lasts so that you will be aware that your unit already needs a replacement. Or maybe a repair will solve the issue in the meantime. Either way, you will need the help of a professional to know which option should you go for. I want to thank you for being with me until the end of this post. Hopefully, you find this article helpful. May we have answered your question sufficiently. All the best!

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